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lakeglance

IllinoisNatural lake

Fox Chain o'Lakes water level

Current level

4.08ft (gage datum)

Reading from Oct 26, 2026

Below normal for October

Past 24 hours
-0.05ft
Past 7 days
+0.02ft
Past 30 days
-1.07ft
vs typical October
-0.07ft

Fox Chain o'Lakes was at 4.08 ft on the gage on October 26, holding steady over the past week (+0.02 ft). That is below normal for October: the typical October level is 4.15 ft, so the lake is 0.07 ft below its usual mark.

Last 30 days

4.04.55.0typicalSep 23Oct 9Oct 24

Shaded band shows the lowest and highest October monthly averages on record. Dashed line is the typical October level.

Typical level through the year

Each bar spans the range of monthly averages on record for that month. The line marks the median. The orange dot is where the lake sits now.

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Recent daily readings

Fox Chain o'Lakes daily mean water level, newest first
DateLevel (ft (gage datum))Change
Oct 24, 20264.13+0.01
Oct 23, 20264.120.00
Oct 22, 20264.12+0.01
Oct 21, 20264.11+0.03
Oct 20, 20264.08+0.02
Oct 19, 20264.06-0.03
Oct 18, 20264.09-0.03
Oct 17, 20264.12-0.06
Oct 16, 20264.18+0.08
Oct 15, 20264.10-0.02
Oct 14, 20264.12-0.01
Oct 13, 20264.130.00
Oct 12, 20264.13-0.06
Oct 11, 20264.19-0.10

Reading these numbers

This gauge reports gage height, measured against a local reference point at the station rather than sea level. The number is useful for tracking rises and drops, but it is not an elevation, so do not compare it with charts that list elevations above sea level.

Natural lake levels usually move slowly, following rain, snowmelt and evaporation. A rise after a wet week can flood low docks and beaches, while late-summer lows expose rocks and weed beds near shore.

The gauge is listed by USGS as Fox Lake near Lake Villa, IL. Wind can pile water up at one end of a big lake for a few hours, so short spikes on a windy day are normal.

Fox Chain o'Lakes water level questions

What is the water level at Fox Chain o'Lakes today?

Fox Chain o'Lakes was at 4.08 ft on the gage on October 26, holding steady over the past week (+0.02 ft). That is below normal for October: the typical October level is 4.15 ft, so the lake is 0.07 ft below its usual mark.

Is Fox Chain o'Lakes high or low right now?

Compared with the long-term record for October, the lake is below normal. The October monthly average has ranged from 4.00 to 5.39 ft, with a typical value of 4.15 ft.

Is Fox Chain o'Lakes rising or falling?

Over the last seven days the level has held roughly steady (+0.02 ft), and it is -1.07 ft compared with 30 days ago.

Where does the Fox Chain o'Lakes water level data come from?

From the U.S. Geological Survey, gauge 05547500 (Fox Lake near Lake Villa, IL). USGS publishes provisional readings every 15 to 60 minutes; they can be revised later after quality checks.

How often is this page updated?

The page itself is rebuilt every day with the latest daily values, and the current reading refreshes straight from the USGS each time you open it.

Nearby lakes

If Fox Chain o'Lakes is blown out, these are the closest alternatives. Tap through for their water levels.